THIS refers to the report ‘Gas explosion in Jhelum leaves six dead, 10 injured’ (July 10), according to which, this was the second such blast within two days. As is always the case in such accidents, the blame swiftly gets passed on to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders.

Most Pakistanis do not know the difference between LPG and natural gas. LPG burns like natural gas. The flame in both cases is blue, but LPG is odourless and the natural gas has a distinct smell. LPG is stored inside a cylinder in liquid form, and when the cylinder valve is opened, the liquid expands and converts into massive amount of gas.

LPG is heavier than air unlike natural gas which is lighter. When LPG leaks, it falls on the ground and flows like water. LPG can leak from knobs, connectors, clamps, hoses, etc. Flame at grade quickly travels to the source, which is the LPG cylinder holding the LPG liquid. The liquid expands, converts into gas, and subsequently results in boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion (BLEVE).

We can run awareness campaigns on media about the hazards, and LPG marketing companies should foot the advertising bill. There should be a complete ban on its usage in vehicles and for plastic tubing. And, cylinders should have a sticker outlining the hazards.

S. Nayyar Iqbal Raza
Karachi

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2023